Course Schedule for Summer 2018

Brand Journalism

The trends of organizations hiring journalists to create content is not a new thing but it is a thriving sub-genre of public relations, journalism and marketing. Brand journalism is a response to the idea that brands no longer need external storytellers to share their own truth but can directly appeal to the public. This class takes a practical approach that will help journalism students understand brand needs and teach public relations and marketing students some of the skills they will need to be strong storytellers. It will also explore strategies for creating and implementing effective content that will reach audiences. Students will explore a variety of case studies, learn from guest speakers, and utilize fundamental journalism skills in order to become masters at creating a strong brand identity.

Note: This is hosted by PRCC MPPR 716. Additional 90 min. distance learning component required.

Data Reporting

This course is intended to introduce students to data journalism through hands-on work and a survey of techniques used in reporting. Students will learn how to acquire, evaluate and analyze data from a variety of sources, with an emphasis on using freely available tools. The goal is to develop a comfort level for working with different kinds of data and for different purposes, which include creating visualizations or maps to aid in the reporting process. This is a skills-based course, so students will need to be comfortable with learning to use computer software beyond word processors. Prior experience is not required or assumed, but a basic comfort level and willingness to experiment are vital.

MPS Journalism Capstone

The Master of Professional Studies Journalism degree program culminates in the Capstone. Each student produces a substantive and original reporting project on a timely issue that showcases his/her talents as a prospective journalist. It should be a major work of professional quality that requires extensive legwork, interviewing and research and will become the centerpiece of your portfolio. The Capstone experience is intended to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate that they have the journalistic skills, ethics and initiative necessary to be a professional journalist. The Capstone project is an independent reporting endeavor. Class sessions provide feedback and structure. Group instructors will give you guidance throughout the semester, and your small groups will serve as mini-newsrooms where you will be expected to give each other feedback and support. Successful completion of the MPSJ degree also requires submitting an ethics essay that reflects on your firsthand experience as a journalist. The essay will be graded as one of the assignments in the Capstone class. This is a core course of the MPS Journalism program, and students must earn a “B” (83) or higher to pass the course. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook for more details. Students with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA who receive a final grade of a B- or below may receive one opportunity to retake the course, if approved by the dean.

Note: Students must have completed 21 credits in order to enroll. Course is a core requirement of the MPS degree. A grade of "B" or higher is needed to pass this course. Additional 90 minute distance learning required.

MPS Journalism Internship

Internships are a great way for students to gain real-world experiences and network with professionals in the field. Many employers require at least some internship experience to appear on a student’s resume. Taking on an internship while in the MPS Journalism program can help students integrate and enhance the skills they are learning in the classroom with professional, hands-on experiences. Students must participate in the internship according to the guidelines furnished by the employer, and they will be required to submit a weekly 500 word writing assignment reflecting on the successes and challenges of the internship. At the end of each semester, the student’s supervisor must complete an evaluation of the student’s performance, and submit it directly to the MPS Journalism program. ** Students must receive approval from the MPS Journalism program prior to enrolling in the Internship class.

Note: Extenive documented academic and experiental learning (at least 1 hour per week).

MPS Journalism Internship

Internships are a great way for students to gain real-world experiences and network with professionals in the field. Many employers require at least some internship experience to appear on a student’s resume. Taking on an internship while in the MPS Journalism program can help students integrate and enhance the skills they are learning in the classroom with professional, hands-on experiences. Students must participate in the internship according to the guidelines furnished by the employer, and they will be required to submit a weekly 500 word writing assignment reflecting on the successes and challenges of the internship. At the end of each semester, the student’s supervisor must complete an evaluation of the student’s performance, and submit it directly to the MPS Journalism program. ** Students must receive approval from the MPS Journalism program prior to enrolling in the Internship class.

Note: Program permission required. Extensive documented academic and experiental learning (at least 2 hours per week). This course follows the add/drop deadlines listed on the summer school calendar.

Photo and Video Storytelling

Foundation requirement for Journalism majors. This course requires a grade of "B" or better to pass. Additional 150 minute distance learning component required Course Description: This course is designed to give the student the ability to communicate in the Video Age--whether for television or the web. We call it storytelling to emphasize the communication of ideas, rather than simply the technical knowledge of shooting and editing video. Students will begin by learning how shots work together, how to write compelling scripts, and how to use audio for best effect. Then students will work with professional camera equipment to develop shooting, lighting, and audio skills. The class will also have hands-on instruction in editing techniques using Final Cut Pro. By the end of the course, students should be comfortable in the video storytelling process--from the flash of an idea, to the finished product on the screen, in the field, and in the studio. Students who entered the MPS Journalism program in Summer 2010 and thereafter must complete this class and receive a grade of solid "B" (3.00) or higher in order to graduate.

Note: Is a foundation course for the program, must earn a B or better in this course to pass the class. Needs an extra 90-minute session, either online or in-person. This is cross-listed with PRCC and IMC.

Pitching & Public Speaking

Presenting yourself, materials, and ideas is a daily activity of a communications practitioner. This course will improve your ability to speak effectively in various situations, including speaking impromptu, presenting an idea, explaining extremely difficult subject matter, and persuading people on a volatile issue. More specifically, you will build on and improve the subtleties of delivery, structure, and visual aids. Class exercises focus on audience analysis, strategic presenting, theme development, argument construction, techniques for creating “stickiness,” and effective openings and closings.

Note: This course is cross-listed with MPPR 600-40 and MPMC 890-01. Requires MPJO 501 Reporting and News Writing. Requires MPJO 500 Ethics as prerequisite. Additional 90 min. distance learning component required.